HOW DROMOLAND UNLEASHED MY INNER MAID MARIAN
Peering down the shaft of the arrow, I have my target in sight. Pulling back the bow, I straighten my pose and steady my grip. Letting go, I rejoice as the arrow lands just a fraction outside the bullseye. It turns out I’m quite good at this archery lark.
I’m channelling my inner Maid Marian and there are few better places to do it than in the sweeping forest that surrounds Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare. The 330-acre estate has had a recent €20m renovation and the results are as impressive as my newlydiscovered archery skills. Okay, maybe more so.
The castle was built as the ancestral home of the O’Briens, barons of Inchiquin, who were direct descendants of Brian Boru. It is one of the few estates in the country that can trace its history to native Gaelic families of royal heritage.
And there’s no doubting it’s fit for royalty. The sweeping driveway offers stunning views over the impressive golf course, before the castle itself comes into view and dominates the skyline.
We are taken through the depths of the castle to our room, passing chandeliers and ancient portraits. Our room is dominated by a four-poster bed and has panoramic views of the grounds and lake outside. You could spend all weekend luxuriating in the plush armchairs but our archery instructor David awaits, so we head down to meet him. I’ve been joined on the weekend by my partner and to say we’re competitive is an understatement – which is why I’m so glad to uncover my hitherto hidden archery skills. After our lesson, I’m booked in for a two-hour Lords & Ladies signature treatment at the spa, combining a hot stone massage and relaxing facial.
That evening, we dine at the castle’s Gallery restaurant.
I highly recommend the spicy rigatoni pasta and sirloin steak burger. Before bed we enjoy a cocktail and live music in the Drawing Room. Fuelled up after breakfast the next morning we head out to the grounds to meet Seán, our falconry guide. He’s
waiting with Bomber, the beautiful Harris hawk. We take turns flying Bomber in the forest before heading back to the falconry school at the back of the castle. Here we met the goshawk Barney and incredibly soft owl Pickles, who you’ll want to rub forever.
As we leave the next morning, we drive past the archery target where I’d so impressed the day before. Having spent a weekend firing bows, summoning birds of prey and enjoying forest life, I’ve decided I quite like my reinvention as Maid Marian. As long as I avoid that pesky sheriff…